Booking.com launches “spontaneous” app in Southeast Asia

Booking.com has launched its new last-minute booking app in Southeast Asia.

Designed for “spontaneous bookers”, the Booking Now app enables travellers to make reservations within 48 hours of their check-in date.

“With the launch of Booking Now, we’re increasing our investment in mobile by leveraging our global scale, assets and partnerships to accommodate the growing number of customers who are booking reservations within two days or less of their stay,” said Darren Huston, CEO of Booking.com.

“The new app puts users at the centre of the booking experience, drawing from our vast database of properties to meet their specific preferences at the very moment they need to book. “Booking Now is designed to deliver a seamless mobile experience for spontaneous consumers, fitting perfectly into their multi-device, on-demand lifestyle,” he added.

The new app also incorporates user behaviour data and GPS technology to provide tailored accommodation recommendations for travellers. It will be available in 42 languages.

In launching the app, Booking.com cited its own data which shows that half of worldwide hotel reservations made within 48 hours are booked on a mobile device. “In some markets, more than 50% of all spontaneous bookings are made via… mobile,” it added.